swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

1

: something that is swollen

specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2

: the condition of being swollen

Synonyms of swelling

• lump
• bruise
• bump
• nodule
• node

Examples of swelling in a Sentence

There was a swelling above her eye.

The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.

Recent Examples on the Web

For nighttime cleansing, Thosani suggests a hydrating serum with a facial lymphatic massage to help reduce puffiness and swelling. —Pamela Brill, Parents, 27 Feb. 2026

The state says potentially serious complications can occur in about 30% of measles patients, with immune suppression, pneumonia, diarrhea and brain swelling that can be life-threatening. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

The reason education, skills and training are important is that injections are inherently dangerous, risking bleeding, bruising, swelling and infection. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026

Pay attention, however, to warning signs such as numbness, tingling, sharp pain, or next-day joint swelling, Wickham added. —Danielle Zickl, Health, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for swelling

• belling
• celling
• dwelling
• fehling
• felling
• gelling
• pelling
• quelling
• selling
• shelling
• smelling
• spelling

Kids Definition

swelling

noun

swell·​ing

ˈswel-iŋ

1

: something that is swollen

especially : a swollen part of the body

2

: the condition of being swollen

Medical Definition

swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswel-iŋ- 

: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

an inflammatory swelling